AR-ALPHA
Digital Processing
Communications Receiver
Operating Manual v.2.0
AOR, LTD.
1
Table of Contents
1. Introduction ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4
1-1 Introduction ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4
1-2 Caring for your radio ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6
1-3 Please note these operating procedures ---------------------------------------------------------- 7
1-4 Accessories supplied ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7
1-5 Controls and functions ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------12
Front Panel ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------12
1-5-1 Keypad ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------13
1-5-2 Summary of keys ----------------------------------------------------------------------13
Rear Panel ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------28
2. Getting Started ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------31
2-1 Preparing the AR-ALPHA for operation ----------------------------------------------------------31
2-1-1 Connecting the antenna ----------------------------------------------------------31
2-1-2 Connecting power ----------------------------------------------------------------------32
2-2 Switching on for the first time ----------------------------------------------------------------------32
2-3 Squelch Circuit ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------33
2-4 VFO selection ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------33
2-4-1 Tuning frequency ----------------------------------------------------------------------34
2-4-1-1 Entering a frequency using the numeric keypad ----------34
2-4-1-2 Changing frequency using the main tuning dial ----------35
2-4-1-3 Changing frequency using the arrow keys ----------------------35
2-5 Changing receive mode ----------------------------------------------------------------------36
2-5-1 Auto mode selection ----------------------------------------------------------------------37
2-5-2 Receive mode selection ----------------------------------------------------------37
2-5-3 Additional decoding modes ----------------------------------------------------------39
2-6 Changing tuning step size ----------------------------------------------------------------------41
2-7 IF bandwidth ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------42
2-7-1 Manually selecting IF band width ----------------------------------------------43
2-8 Attenuator ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------43
2-9 Offset ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------44
2-9-1 Using pre-programmed frequency offset data ----------------------------------44
2-9-2 Entering new frequency offset data ----------------------------------------------45
2-9-3 Activating frequency offset ----------------------------------------------------------46
2-9-4 Monitoring the offset frequency ----------------------------------------------46
2-9-5 Deactivating frequency offset ----------------------------------------------------------46
3. Spectrum Display ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------47
3-1 LCD Display Screen (in VFO spectrum analyzer mode) ----------------------------------47
3-1-1 Operation mode display ----------------------------------------------------------47
3-1-2 Basic operation display ----------------------------------------------------------48
3-1-3 Spectrum display (example) ----------------------------------------------------------49
3-2 Display span setting ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------50
3-2-1 Setting the display span ----------------------------------------------------------52
4. Memory channels ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------53
4-1 Memory Bank and Memory Channel ----------------------------------------------------------54
4-2 Storing VFO frequency and data into memory ----------------------------------------------55
4-3 Memory read “M.RD” --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 56
2
4-4 Memory Mode ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------57
4-4-1 From Bank List screen to MemBank screen or Browser ----------------------58
4-4-2 From Bank List to MemCh List ----------------------------------------------60
4-4-3 From MemCh List to MemCh **.** Browser ----------------------------------61
5. SCAN – scanning memory channels ----------------------------------------------------------------------64
5-1 SCAN – outline introduction ----------------------------------------------------------------------64
5-2 Starting SCAN ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------64
5-3 SCAN operation ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------65
5-3-1 Changing scan direction ----------------------------------------------------------66
5-4 Selecting a SCAN bank ----------------------------------------------------------------------66
5-5 Bank link ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------67
5-5-1 Setting Bank link ----------------------------------------------------------------------67
5-6 Select SCAN ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------67
5-6-1 Adding select scan channels in memory read ----------------------------------67
5-6-2 Start select scan ----------------------------------------------------------------------68
5-7 Channel Pass ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------69
5-7-1 Setting channel pass ----------------------------------------------------------69
6. Search ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------70
6-1 Search setting ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------70
6-1-1 Setting ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------70
6-1-2 Search Bank Browser setting ----------------------------------------------------------71
6-1-3 Start search ----------------------------------------------------------------------71
6-2 Search Group ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------73
6-2-1 Setting Search Group ----------------------------------------------------------73
7. FFT Search ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------75
7-1 FFT Search setting ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------75
7-7-1 FFT Search Screen ----------------------------------------------------------------------76
8. Miscellaneous Settings ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------78
8-1 Soft key registration ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------78
8-1-1 Operation of soft keys ----------------------------------------------------------78
8-1-2 Soft key registration ----------------------------------------------------------------------79
8-2 Voice Recording ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------79
8-2-1 Recording ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------80
8-2-2 Stop recording ----------------------------------------------------------------------80
8-2-3 Playback audio ----------------------------------------------------------------------80
8-2-4 Changing record channel ----------------------------------------------------------81
8-3 Data Editor ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------81
8-3-1 Moving memory bank ----------------------------------------------------------82
8-3-2 Copying memory bank ----------------------------------------------------------83
8-3-3 Moving search bank ----------------------------------------------------------------------83
8-3-4 Copying search bank ----------------------------------------------------------84
8-3-5 Moving memory channel ----------------------------------------------------------85
8-3-6 Copying memory channel ----------------------------------------------------------85
8-3-7 Copying scan group data ----------------------------------------------------------86
8-3-8 Copying scan group data ----------------------------------------------------------87
8-3-9 Moving search group data ----------------------------------------------------------88
8-3-10 Copying search group ----------------------------------------------------------88
3
8-3-11 Moving recorded voice data ----------------------------------------------------------89
8-3-12 Deleting memory bank ----------------------------------------------------------89
8-3-13 Deleting search bank ----------------------------------------------------------90
8-3-14 Deleting memory channel ----------------------------------------------------------90
8-3-15 Deleting memory pass channel ----------------------------------------------91
8-3-16 Deleting all search pass channels ----------------------------------------------91
8-3-17 Deleting all memory banks ----------------------------------------------------------91
8-3-18 Deleting all search banks ----------------------------------------------------------91
8-3-19 Deleting voice record channel ----------------------------------------------92
8-3-20 Deleting all voice record data ----------------------------------------------92
8-4 Configuration settings ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------92
8-4-1 Configure backlight ----------------------------------------------------------------------93
8-4-2 Configure beep ----------------------------------------------------------------------94
8-4-3 Configure RF-Gain (Radio Frequency Gain) ----------------------------------94
8-4-4 Configure reference signal input ----------------------------------------------95
8-4-5 Video display & format ----------------------------------------------------------95
8-4-6 Configure I/Q output bandwidth ----------------------------------------------96
8-4-7 Configure Voice squelch level ----------------------------------------------------------97
8-4-7-1 Configure Voice level and delay time ----------------------------------97
8-4-8 Configure PC interface ----------------------------------------------------------98
8-4-9 Configure Sleep Timer ----------------------------------------------------------98
8-4-10 Configure Priority function ----------------------------------------------------------99
8-4-10-1 Setup ----------------------------------------------------------------------99
8-4-10-2 Activating priority function --------------------------------------------100
9. Computer control ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------101
9-1 How to send a control command ---------------------------------------------------------101
9-2 Power on ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------101
9-3 Detailed control command list of the AR-ALPHA ---------------------------------------------102
10. Specifications & I/Q format ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------121
11. Reset ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------123
12. Firmware upgrade ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------124
13. Optional Accessories ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------128
14. Limited Warranty (USA only) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------129
4
1 Introduction
1-1 Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the AR-ALPHA Digital Processing Communications receiver. The
AR-ALPHA was designed using the very latest technology to ensure the highest levels of
performance and reliability. To get the best possible results from your AR-ALPHA, we strongly
recommend that you read this manual to familiarize yourself with the receiver and its many
functions.
Although carefully designed, this receiver (and most other receivers) generates internal noises
known as spurious emissions. They are a product of the receiver’s circuitry, and their presence
does not represent a defect. Other apparent defects may be due to unintentional misoperation of
the receiver. If you believe there is a problem, carefully read the entire manual before contacting
your dealer for advice.
It is acknowledged that sections of this manual are repetitive, this is to enable the manual to be
used as a quick reference book (you don’t have to read it from cover to cover at one time). Due to
the international nature of the product, some graphics may contain Japanese characters.
Every effort has been made to make this manual correct and up to date. Due to continuous
development of the receiver, there may be error or omission anomalies and this is acknowledged.
© This manual is protected by copyright AOR, LTD. 2007. No information contained in this manual
may be copied or transferred by any means without the prior written consent of AOR, LTD. AOR
and the AOR logo are trademarks of AOR, LTD. All other trademarks and names are
acknowledged.
5
Main features:
Wide frequency coverage: 10 kHz to 3.5 GHz, with no interruptions (USA consumer version
has cellular telephone frequencies blocked)
Zero-IF frequency (for the 3rd IF)
DDS (Direct Digital Synthesizer) local oscillator
TV reception in NTSC, PAL, and SECAM formats
I/Q output with 1 MHz bandwidth
Multi-mode unit capable of receiving AM (Synchronous), ISB, RZ-SSB, USB, LSB, CW, WFM
including FM stereo (when using optional headphones), NFM and APCO P25 digital
6-inch TFT color panel can display received video signals or depict spectrum activity over a
wide choice of bandwidths including a “waterfall” function to show signal activity over a
specified time period
Composite video output on the rear panel of the unit
Selectable IF bandwidths: 200 Hz, 500 Hz, 1 kHz, 3 kHz, 6 kHz, 15 kHz, 30 kHz, 100 kHz,
200 kHz and 300 kHz and the ability to shift the IF
CTCSS and DCS selectable squelch functions
DTMF tone decode
Built-in voice-inversion descrambling (Not available on USA consumer version)
CW pitch control, AGC, AFC
Auto-notch feature
User selectable spectrum display function from 250 kHz through 10 MHz in 1 kHz increments.
Above 10 MHz bandwidth, it can display 20 MHz, 50 MHz, 100 MHz or 1 GHz, but above 20
MHz bandwidth, no audio will be available
RBW (Resolution bandwidth) is also user-selectable in increments of 1 kHz, 4 kHz, 32 kHz,
64 kHz and 128 kHz
Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) spectrum display
Analog output for DRM PC receiver
RS-232C and USB 2.0 interfaces
Two antenna ports (one SO-239 and one Type N). Up to four antennas may be selected
through the receiver’s controls with the optional AS5000 antenna relay switch
Use desktop or 19” rack mount
Five VFOs, 2,000 alphanumeric memories
Digital Voice Recording up to 53 minutes
6
1-2 Caring for your radio
There are no internal operator adjustments. In the unlikely event of service being required, please
contact your dealer for technical assistance.
Do not use or leave the receiver in direct sunlight (especially the LCD). It is best to avoid locations
where excessive heat, humidity, dust and vibration are expected. Always keep the AR-ALPHA
free from dust and moisture. Use a soft, dry cloth to gently wipe the set clean, never use abrasive
cleaners or organic solvents which may damage certain parts.
Treat the AR-ALPHA with care, avoid the spilling or leakage of liquids into the receiver. Special
care should be taken to avoid liquid entering around the controls, through the speaker grille or
through the connection jacks.
The AR-ALPHA is designed for operation from a high quality regulated DC supply of 12 to 14 V,
which should be capable of supplying at least 2.2A. Never connect the AR-ALPHA directly to an
AC outlet. The polarity of the DC input jack is clearly marked, the chassis of the receiver is at
negative ground.
SAFETY NOTICE – Always disconnect the power supply from the AC outlet when not in
use. If used mobile, it should be noted that the AR-ALPHA has NOT
been manufactured or tested to meet any specific mobile safety
requirements.
The AR-ALPHA has no internal user adjustable parts.
If using the AR-ALPHA in a base station situation, the best short wave reception is usually
achieved by using a separate external earth (ground) rod, however, consider the implications
carefully if the AC supply at your location uses a Protective Multiple Earth (PME) system. If in
doubt consult a qualified electrician. Never earth (or ground) to a gas pipe!
The AR-ALPHA has two antenna connectors for all frequencies. These are intended for
connection to a 50Ω (unbalanced) coaxial fed antenna such as a discone, dipole, unipole, Yagi,
etc. When locating the antenna, avoid power cables. Ensure that you do not confuse the antenna
connection and the 10 MHz frequency reference connector as they are in close proximity.
7
1-3 Please note these operating procedures
1. Certain key operations are acted upon when the key is RELEASED, not while it is
pressed. Allow time for the AR-ALPHA to register and process each action before
pressing another key.
2. The keylock (K.LOCK) is intentionally made difficult to operate to prevent accidental
operation. To release the keylock, the K.LOCK key must be held for more than one
second, the key icon on the LCD confirms operation. The K.LOCK is disabled during
keying sequences (such as when entering frequencies).
3. Currently displayed VFO data is saved at power down (to increase speed of the
operation and to reduce write cycles). For this reason, if the AR-ALPHA is powered down
using the MAIN POWER (rear panel) switch or external power is removed, the last
displayed frequency will be lost and the frequency used prior to this will be displayed the
next time the receiver is powered up.
1-4 Accessories supplied
The following items are included in the shipping carton:
1 AR-ALPHA receiver
2. DC power cable
3. Operating manual (this booklet)
4 Rack mount handles and screws
8
Terminology
Search & Scan
If you have not used a wide band receiver before or you are not familiar with the terminology used,
it is very important to understand the difference between SEARCH and SCAN modes.
SEARCH: The AR-ALPHA provides several operations where transmissions (active
frequencies) may be automatically located by sweeping the receiver over a wide frequency
range, either from the currently displayed frequency traveling upwards (or downwards) in a
specified tuning increment (step) or by sweeping over-and-over between two specified
frequency limits. This process is known as SEARCHING, as the title implies, it can take a
long time to find transmissions due to their ‘often intermittent’ and brief nature. For this
reason it is best to slice large frequency ranges into smaller, more manageable pieces where
they may be intensely searched.
When examining large frequency segments, it is common to find that the majority of
frequencies are inactive at the time of the search and only a small number of the remaining
constitute what you really want. Searching still remains the best way to initially locate active
and interesting transmissions (in conjunction with a good list of active frequencies and a
band plan).
SCAN: Once active transmissions have been identified (either by searching or by using a
good frequency guide), it is more efficient to store the data into memories which can be
rapidly and automatically monitored in succession, stopping when activity is encountered.
This is a much more efficient means of monitoring the most wanted frequencies you have
targeted, that is, what you most want to hear. By contrast, searching is very inefficient for
day-to-day monitoring.
Note: It is very important that the squelch is advanced to cancel background noise for
the search & scan functions to operate properly. This is because the AR-ALPHA
believes that it has found an active frequency when the squelch opens and the
“BUSY” lamp lights up. Advance the squelch control clockwise until the background
noise is just cancelled, this is known as the “threshold” position. If the squelch
control is advanced too far, weaker signals may be missed.
9
More details about the remarkable features of the AR-ALPHA
Zero – IF (Zero Intermediate Frequency)
Block diagram 1 shows a conventional triple conversion super heterodyne analog receiver and the
3rd IF frequency is 455 kHz. Due to its frequency configuration, some “image” signals may be
received.
Block diagram 2 shows the AOR Zero-IF digital receiver.
The 10.7 MHz 2nd IF analog signal is fed to the ADC (Analog to Digital Converter) to be digitized
and the signal is digitally mixed with the 10.7 MHz local oscillator. The signal is digitally processed,
and the 3rd IF signal becomes zero (0). By utilizing this technique, no image signal will be present.
DDS (Direct Digital Synthesizer)
The AR-ALPHA uses high speed DDS for the 1st local oscillator. Unlike standard PLL (Phased
Locked Loop) circuits for the local oscillator, DDS enables very fast scanning as it quickly
generates signals controlled by the CPU (Micro Processor).
10
I/Q Digital Output
I/Q stands for In-Phase/Quadrature -Phase.
At the 3rd IF stage, the AR-ALPHA provides an I/Q output. The I/Q digital signal consists of two (2)
different digital signals that are phase-shifted 90 degrees.
The I/Q output is provided through a continuous isochronous USB 2.0 standard interface. By
using the I/Q digital output, the streamed data can be stored on a PC hard disk for future signal
analysis.
FFT (Fast Fourier Transform)
The AR-ALPHA utilizes FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) technology for the spectrum display feature.
FFT in the AR-ALPHA refreshes the spectrum display more than 10 times per second during a 10
MHz sweep (at 500 Hz RBW). The AR-ALPHA can display a wide range sweep up to 1 GHz.
Receive modes / Additional features
WFM (Wide FM)
Stereo sound (auto detected), Selectable de-emphasis 50 uS/75 uS
Stereo output is available from the headphone jack using optional stereo headphones or
from the RCA jacks on the rear panel (optional stereo amplifier required)
NFM (Narrow FM)
Built-in DCS (Digital Coded Squelch)
Built-in CTCSS (Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System)
Built-in Voice Inversion Descrambler (4,500 Hz +/- 2,000 Hz) (Not available on USA
consumer version)
Built-in APCO25 (P-25) decoder (conventional mode only)
Built-in AFC (Automatic Frequency Control)
11
AM (Amplitude Modulation)
Envelope Detection (Normal AM decoder)
Synchronous Detection
1. DSB (Double Side Band) synchronous
2. SSB (Single Side Band) USB/LSB (Upper Side Band/Lower Side Band) selectable
synchronous
3. Side Band Diversity
AGC (Automatic Gain Control) mode/Manual RF gain mode
SSB (Single Side Band)
USB/LSB selectable
AGC mode/Manual RF gain mode
Sharp shape factor BPF (Band Pass Filter)
ISB (Independent Side Band)
Simultaneously decoded LSB and USB (Stereo Output)
AGC mode/Manual RF gain mode
CW (Continuous Wave)
Built-in narrow band IF filters, 200 Hz/500 Hz
CW stereo effect 200 Hz IF filter (Right +100 Hz/-50 Hz,
Left +50 Hz/-100 Hz) (,headphones required)
Adjustable tone pitch, 600 Hz +/- 300 Hz
VIDEO
TV reception in NTSC, PAL, or SECAM formats
RZ-SSB (Real Zero SSB)
Decodes AM signal with FM decoder (without AGC) by using phase signal
Effective against phasing or interference
NB (Noise Blanker)
Operates in AM, SSB, ISB and RZSSB mode
Auto Notch Filter
Adaptive Digital Noise Filter
12
IF Shift
Shift width: +/- 1.200 Hz
Operates in SSB and AM modes
VSQ (Voice Squelch)
Utilize FFT and LMS (The Least-Mean-Square) algorithm
DVR (Digital Voice Recorder)
Records up to 53 minutes (up to 12 minutes in WFM mode)
Captures audio up to 12 seconds prior to the start of recording
Analog output for DRM (Digital Radio Mondiale)
6 kHz IF (I/Q) analog output for DRM PC receiver
1-5 Controls & functions
Controls are located on the front with most connectors on the rear of the AR-ALPHA.
A brief identification is given here:
Front Panel
① Internal speaker
② Analog S-meter
③ Status Indicators
④ LCD screen
⑤ Soft Keys
⑥ Main control keys
⑦ Front accessory connector
⑧ Headphone Jack
⑨ Main Dial knob
⑩ Sub Dial knob
⑪ Sub dial keys
⑫ Squelch control knob
⑬ AF Gain (Volume) control knob
13
Main Control Keys
1-5-1 Keypad
Keypad conventions
Most keys have secondary functions, which are printed on the panel. However, due to the restrictions
of available space, not all functions can be shown on the keypad.
The secondary functions of the AR-ALPHA are indicated with white characters above each key.
To access the secondary function, press the key, then press the respective key.
1-5-2 Summary of keys
POWER
Press and hold this key for one (1) second to turn on power to the unit. After initializing, the LCD
screen will appear.
To turn power off, press and hold this key for 2 seconds. A “power off” message will appear on the
screen and the power to the unit will turn off.
14
K.LOCK
Press this key when you do not wish an important frequency to be lost or the
AR-ALPHA to be incorrectly set to a different frequency.
To exit from the key lock function, press and hold this key for 2 seconds.
MONI
The monitor key manually overrides the squelch so that you may monitor a weak signal.
FUNC
The function key is used to select the secondary functions of the keypad.
VFO / WSP
Press this key to select the VFO mode. There are 5 VFOs (VFO-A through VFO-E) you may access
in the AR-ALPHA.
Press the key, then press this key to enter the WSP (Wide Span) mode.
The WSP icon appears on the left of the frequency display. The AR-ALPHA can display up to 1 GHz
of frequency bandwidth. To exit the WSP mode, press the VFO key.
SRCH / SRCH.E
Press this key to select the NORMAL SEARCH mode.
To initiate a normal search, press and hold the SRCH key for 2 seconds.
Press the key, then press and hold this key for 2 seconds to enter the Search Environment
set mode.
To exit from the Search mode, press the VFO key.
15
SCAN / MEMO/E
Press this key to initiate SCAN.
To set the scan mode, press and hold the SCAN key for 2 seconds.
Press the key, then press and hold this key for 2 seconds to enter the Scan Environment
set mode.
To exit from the Scan mode, press the VFO key.
MHz / ENT
Press this key to have the AR-ALPHA accept data entry.
When entering a frequency in MHz, use numeric keys followed by this key.
KHz / S.ENT
When entering a frequency in kHz, use numeric keys followed by this key.
Press this key to accept frequency step entry.
STEP/ S.ADJ
Press this key to enter frequency step.
Press the key, then press this key to go into the Frequency Step Adjust mode.
MODE / D.OPTION
Press this key to display the receive mode selection menu. Then select the desired receive mode
by rotating the Sub Dial Knob. Press the MHz key to confirm entry.
Any receive mode may be selected for any frequency within the receiver’s frequency coverage
range.
Press and hold this key for 2 seconds to go into the Auto-Mode.
Simple Select Mode
16
To switch the Mode selection to “Advanced”, press the MODE key while the MODE select screen is
displayed.
Advanced Select Mode
Press the key, then press the MODE key to go into the Additional digital mode.
Press either the UP Arrow key or DOWN Arrow key to select the mode, and rotate the Sub Dial
knob to change the parameter. Press the MHz key to confirm entry.
CLR / A. CLR
Press this key to cancel the entry and return to the previous screen.
During frequency entry, pressing this key will move the cursor backward to delete one digit for
correction. (Same function as a backspace key)
0 ~ 9 .
Numeric keys
FFT / HELP
Press this key to go into the FFT display mode.
To exit from the FFT display mode, press the VFO key.
Press the key, then press this key to display the help menu on the screen.
To exit from the HELP screen, press the VFO key.
O (Red circle)
Press this key to activate the DVR (Digital Voice Recorder).
UP / RIGHT
In the VFO mode:
Pressing this key will increase the receive frequency by the currently selected frequency step.
17
Press the key, then press this key to increase the receive frequency by 10 times the selected
frequency step.
In memory mode:
Press this key to select a higher memory channel.
DOWN / LEFT
In the VFO mode:
Press this key to decrease the receive frequency by the currently selected frequency step.
Press the key, then press this key to decrease the receive frequency by 10 times the
selected frequency step.
In the memory mode:
Press this key to select a lower memory channel.
S. FRQ / RBW
Press this key to display the spectrum display setting menu on the right corner of the LCD screen.
In this mode, one the following three (3) modes can be selected.
a. Spectrum Analyzer mode
b. Auto Spectrum analyzer mode
c. Channel scope mode
To cancel this operation, press the CLR key.
Press the key, then press this key to access the Resolution Bandwidth Setting menu. In this
mode, one the following five (5) parameters can be selected.
1 kHz, 4 kHz, 32 kHz, 64 kHZ, and 128 kHz
Each function is accessible through the corresponding soft key at the right of the LCD.
To cancel this operation, press the CLR key.
S. MOD / OPE
Press this key to display the search mode menu at the right corner of the LCD screen. In this mode,
one the following two (2) modes can be selected.
1. Normal Spectrum Analyzer mode
2. Channel scope mode
To cancel this operation, press the CLR key.
Press the key, then press this key to access the Calculation menu. In this mode, one of the
following three (3) calculation modes can be selected.
1. OPE. MAX (Maximum value hold)
2. OPE. AVR (Average value)
3. OPE. MED (Median)
Each function is accessible through the corresponding soft key at the right of the LCD.
To cancel this operation, press the CLR key.
18
AMP / WATER
Press this key to set the input sensitivity level of the AR-ALPHA. There are six (6) different input
sensitivity levels between 0 dBm and -50 dBm in 10 dB steps.
Press this key to highlight the reference level (in reverse contrast). You may adjust the level using
the sub dial knob and validate with the MHz key, or enter the desired value using the numeric keys.
Press the key, then press this key to select the waterfall display feature.
To exit the waterfall display, press the AMP key followed by the FUNC key..
MK. F / MKR
Press this key to designate the marker frequency as the center frequency.
Press the key, then press this key to access the marker setting menu. In this mode, one of
the following three (3) calculation modes can be selected.
1. Marker frequency reading
2. Peak marker reading
3. Continuous peak reading
Each function is accessible through the corresponding soft key at the right of the LCD.
To cancel this operation, press the CLR key.
Squelch knob and AF Gain knob
SQUELCH KNOB
Turn this knob clockwise until background noise disappears.
AF GAIN KNOB
Turn clockwise to increase audio (speaker) output level and turn
counterclockwise to decrease audio (speaker) output level.
19
Sub Dial Keys
MKR
Pressing this key will illuminate a red lamp above the MKR switch.
When the AR-ALPHA is in the VFO mode or Memory mode and the LCD is displaying frequency
spectrum, the frequency marker cursor on the LCD screen can be moved by rotating the sub dial
knob (small knob to the left of this key).
While the MKR lamp is illuminated, pressing this key again will make the red lamp flash and
increase the cursor speed 10 times faster than normal. Press this key again to return to the normal
rate.
When the video screen is displayed, this function is disabled.
While in the Search mode, Memory Scan mode, and Select Scan mode, the sub dial knob is used
to select the respective bank.
DEF
Pressing this key will illuminate a green lamp above the DEF switch.
When the AR-ALPHA is in the VFO mode, rotating the sub dial will change the receive frequency by
the preset frequency step. To change the frequency step, while the green lamp is lit, press this key
again. The sub dial frequency step setup screen will appear.
Using the numeric keypad, enter the desired frequency step followed by kHz key.
To cancel the entry, press this key again.
When the video screen is displayed, this function is disabled.
While in the Search mode, Memory Scan mode, and Select Scan mode, the sub dial knob is used
to select the respective bank.
20
MAIN
Pressing this key illuminates an orange lamp above the MAIN switch.
When the AR-ALPHA is in the VFO mode, the function of the sub dial is the same as the main dial.
While the MAIN lamp is illuminated, press this switch again until the orange lamp flashes; this
enables the sub dial to change the receive frequency 10 times faster than the main dial.
Press this key again to return to the normal tuning speed.
While in the Search Mode, Memory Scan mode, and Select Scan mode, the sub dial knob is used
to select the respective bank.
Lit Rotate the sub dial to move the marker display line.
Press and hold this key until the MKR-LED flashes.
Flash
Lit The frequency step changes with the designated steps.
Flash
Lit The sub dial operates the same as the main dial.
Flash
This enables the marker to move 10 times faster than its
normal speed.
Press and hold this key; a small window will appear on the
LCD screen. This enables setting the frequency step using
the sub dial.
Press and hold this key until the MAIN-LED flashes.
Rotating the sub dial changes the receive frequency at
10 times the rate of the main dial.
Dial Knobs
SUB DIAL (Small knob)
The sub dial knob is used to change the parameters of various settings or
to change the memory bank.
MAIN DIAL (Large Knob)
In the VFO mode, rotating this knob will change the receive frequency.
In the Memory Mode, rotating this knob will change the memory channel.
(To change the memory bank, rotate the sub dial knob.)
In the Search mode, the Memory Scan mode, and the Select Scan mode,
this knob is used to change the search/scan direction.
Soft Keys
There are seven (7) keys at the right of the LCD display; they are called “Soft Keys.”
The bottom key is designated as the DISPLAY KEY. Unlike the other 6 soft keys, the display key is
mostly used to control the functions of the LCD screen.
21
The functions of the soft keys vary according to the function displayed on the LCD screen.
The soft keys may also be used for user-defined functions depending on the displayed contents.
Display example of Page 1 and Page 2 in VFO mode
User defined key 1
User defined key 6
User defined key 2
User defined key 3
User defined key 4
User defined key 5
User defined key
Page 1
Display VFO list
User defined key 7
User defined key 8
User defined key 9
User defined key 10
User defined key
Page 2
Display VFO list
Below are the functions of the soft keys. When no description of a key is shown, there is no
assigned function for the soft key in that mode.
When a soft key function is displayed in a dark blue color, it is not selectable.
Normal SRCH FFT S.FR S.MOD ATT/ANT S.SCAN RBW OPE
S-METER & STATUS INDICATORS
S-METER
The analog S-meter indicates the relative level of antenna input signal.
BUSY
Lit when the squelch is open.
22
AUTO
Lit when the AR-ALPHA is in automatic reception mode (AM, WFM, etc…).
REMOTE
Lit when the AR-ALPHA is controlled by a PC through the REMOTE 1 or REMOTE 2 connectors.
While the REMOTE indicator is lit, all functions (except AF GAIN and SQUELCH CONTROL) are
disabled
I/Q
Lit while I/Q signal is being sent through the USB port.
ACC1
This connector is used for an external device including the optional CR5000 recording cable.
12V DC output
1
(30mA maximum)
2 Detector output 6
3 Audio input 7
5 Control 2 (for CR5000)
Audio output (High level)
(330mV r.m.s. at 600Ω)
Audio output (Low level)
(2.5mV r.m.s. at 600Ω)
4 Control 1 (for CR5000) 8 Ground (or earth)
HEADPHONES
Use a 1/4 inch stereo type plug. When a headphone is connected, the internal speaker is
disabled.
1
Ground
2 Audio output (Right)
3 Audio output (Left)
Secondary functions of numeric keys
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(1)
Press the key, then press the 1 key.
Selecting the attenuation level
A soft key menu will appear at the right side of the LCD.
On this screen menu, choose one of the following five (5) selections.
1. RF AMP: ON, Attenuator: 0 dB
2. RF AMP: OFF, Attenuator: 0 dB
3. RF AMP: OFF, Attenuator: 10 dB
4. RF AMP: OFF, Attenuator: 20 dB
5. AUTO setting
Press the desired soft key to choose the desired setting.
When AUTO is selected, the ATT character on the LCD will be displayed in yellow.
Selecting antenna input port
Press the key, then press and hold the 1 key for 2 seconds
A soft key menu will appear at the right side of the LCD.
On this screen menu, choose one of the following four (4) selections.
1. ANTENNA 1 2. ANTENNA 2 3. ANTENNA 3 4. ANTENNA 4
An optional AS5000 antenna relay switch is required to use more than 2 antenna inputs.
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(2)
Press the key, then press the 2 key.
Selecting the squelch mode
Performing the above steps will toggle between the Level Squelch Mode and Voice Squelch
Mode.
The VSQ icon appears at the top left on the LCD while in the Voice Squelch Mode.
In the Level Squelch Mode, the squelch level is adjusted by rotating the squelch knob.
Turning fully counterclockwise will disable the squelch function. Normally, turn the squelch knob
clockwise until background noise disappears.
In the Voice Squelch Mode, the AR-ALPHA automatically analyzes demodulated voice signals and
opens the squelch only when it detects human voice. Voice Level Squelch is available in the VFO
mode, Search Bank mode, and Memory Channel mode.
The BUSY indicator located below the S-meter will light while the squelch is open.
(3)
Press the
key, then press the 3 key.
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Search Frequency Pass
When the AR-ALPHA receives a signal and stops searching In Search Receive Mode, performing
the above steps will register the frequency as a “pass” frequency and resume searching. The
AR-ALPHA will not stop at a pass frequency during future search cycles.
Up to 50 pass frequencies can be registered on each search bank.
The registered search frequencies can be viewed or deleted during search operations on the LCD
screen.
(4)
Press the key, then press the 4 key.
Priority Function
After the priority channel is set, performing the above step will start priority receive.
The PRIO icon appears at the top left of the LCD while the priority function is activated.
Priority Channel Setting
Press the key, then press and hold the 4 key for 2 seconds.
By performing the above steps, the priority setting screen will appear on the LCD.
1. Rotate the sub dial to select or set the desired priority channel.
2. Press the down arrow key to move the cursor downward.
3. Rotate the sub dial to set the priority time interval between 1 ~ 99 seconds.
4. Press the MHz key to confirm entry.
(5)
Press the key, then press the 5 key.
Frequency Offset Function
After the offset frequency is set, performing the above step will activate the frequency offset
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function. Repeating the above steps will toggle this function. While the frequency offset function is
activated, the DUP (Duplex) icon will appear at the top left of the LCD screen.
To disable this function, perform the above steps, then set the offset channel to “+00” and press the
MHz key.
A total of 48 offset channels are available and 01 ~ 20 channels out of 48 are user programmable.
(6)
Press the key, then press the 6 key.
Data Edit Function
Performing the above steps will display the data editor screen. In this mode, Memory bank and
search bank memory channel data can be edited on the LCD screen.
To exit this function, press the MHz key.
(7)
Press the key, then press the 7 key.
Configuration Setting
The receiver’s configuration can be set on this screen.
To exit this function, press the MHz key.
(8)
Press the key, then press the 8 key.
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Select Memory Scan Setting
Performing the above steps will activate the select scan mode. The select scan function scans each
memory channel regardless of memory bank selection.
To exit from this function, press the VFO key.
(9)
Press the key, then press the 9 key.
Select Memory Scan Setting
This function is available only in the memory channel receive mode.
While in the memory channel receive mode, performing the above steps will transfer the current
memory channel to the select memory. At the same time the SEL icon will be displayed on the LCD
indicating the current memory channel has been registered to the select memory channel. If the
registered memory channel is already registered, then the select memory channel will be deleted.
To exit this function, press the VFO key.
(10)
Press the key, then press the decimal key.
Sleep Timer Setting
Performing the above steps will activate the sleep timer function. The time counter and the clock icon
appear at the top right of the LCD.
The sleep timer can be set for up to 99 minutes in 1 minute increments.
To set the timer, rotate the sub dial.
To deactivate the sleep timer function, set the timer to 0.
To exit from this function, press the CLR key.
(11)
Press the
key, then press the 0 key
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IF Bandwidth Setting
Performing the above steps will display the IF Bandwidth setting screen on the LCD.
There are 10 bandwidth parameters and the selectable parameters are displayed in white.
Rotate the sub dial knob, then press the MHz key to confirm entry.
Rear Panel
1. ANT 1 Connector
N type connector. Antenna impedance is 50Ω nominal. An optional AS5000 antenna relay switch can
be connected to this connector.
2. ANT 2 Connector
SO-239 type connector. Antenna impedance is 50Ω nominal.
3. 10 MHz Input Connector
External 10 MHz reference signal input connector (BNC)
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4. Ground (or Earth) Terminal
5. ACC 2 Connector
12V DC output (50mA
1
max.)
10V DC output (50mA
2
max.)
AGC 4.5V ～ 3.0V
3
Antenna switch
5
A
Antenna switch
6
B
7 No connection
4 No connection 8 Ground
An optional AS5000 antenna relay switch may be connected here.
6. EXT (External) Speaker Jack
3.5 mm mono jack for an external speaker (impedance 8Ω). When an external speaker is connected,
the internal speaker will be disabled.
7. MUTE Jack
Connecting the center pin to ground will mute the receiver.
8. AF OUT Jack
Line output for stereo audio. An external amplifier can be connected to these RCA type jacks.
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